Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Left our beautiful Iris Lake campsite just before 10:30am...told you we are slow movers in the morning. We already knew where we wanted to portage from Iris into the next puddle before Fetters. Some downed trees (beaver action) and a tight squeeze between boulders and a cliff, but not a hard trip to the puddle. Then we found a faint path on the west side of the stream to take us to Fetters.

Then it got interesting trying to get out of Fetters thanks to some very busy beavers. Pulled canoes over the first dam, then parked alongside their big dam. Best path was directly over the middle of the dam, then cross boulder field to river right. We were able to pick up an old path that dumped us out at Octopus on the river left side. On the way back up to retrieve a 2nd load of gear, Stew and Joey startled two young otters who clambered out of a pool of water and turned to watch them. Cute little curious faces staring out of the brush.

Despite the faint trail in places this was worthy of being a bushwhack so I carried both canoes again. We ate lunch at Octopus. Octopus lake is very shallow and full of lily pads. Seemed like prime moose country but no luck for us even though we did some extra paddling around quietly into different bays. We portaged into the Frost River, but it became apparent that the water was really low and the river bony. It was hard to even get the canoe through the water to the next portage and beaver dams were plentiful.

We discussed the situation, and given that we were physically beat after the PMA, Jose had developed a ingrown toenail that was extremely painful walking, and we were a day behind, we made the wise decision to turn around and head out through Long Island Lake and then back out through Missing Link. This would make for some really short days, but doubt anyone would one complain...well actually Joey and I did complain one day but...

On the portage back out of the Frost R. I noticed a leech squirming in the bottom of the canoe. I smooshed it and blood came pouring out. Joey wondered whose blood it was. Turns out it was mine! The back of my leg was gushing blood and had an 1/8 inch hole in it. When we got to the next portage, I noticed a massive leech swimming toward me as I stood in the water unloading. Then there were 2, then 3, 4, and pretty soon we had 5 enormous leeches swimming at us. Joey and I were jumping around and shrieking like crazy. Pretty silly since we aren't really afraid of leeches...but they acted so menacing. They reminded me of a pack of wolves circling their prey.

Camped on Frost Lake. Had a huge dinner of falafel and rice pilaf (curry, almonds, raisins). I made fruit cobbler for dessert and it was amazing! First chance to use my Alpine Fry/Bake with a top fire. Jose saw his first ever bald eagle tonight.

Total time: 6 hours (4 portaging/bushwhacking, 2 paddling)

~Iris Lake, Fetters Lake, Octopus Lake, Frost River, Octopus Lake (yes, again), Frost Lake